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Shannon_C

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  1. FEEDING A NEWBORN LITTER WITH NO MOTHER
    By: Tracy Ferrick
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    If the mother dog dies during or just after birth of the whelps, or if she has no maternal feelings toward the pups and will not let them nurse, then there are three ways in which to feed at this point. You can bottle feed, tube feed, which I do not recommend unless you are experienced, or "finger feed".

    Some Bullmastiff pups have poor sucking reflexes just after birth. This means that they may not be able to nurse properly on a bottle. To "finger feed" first cut your fingernails and make sure there are no sharp edges. Wash your hands thoroughly and prepare the formula. I use a syringe(without the needle) to draw the formula into. This is the formula I have used for 12 years!!!

    12 ounces Evaporated Milk 12 Ounces Pedialyte (first 2 weeks only, then switch to bottled water) 6 ounces Half and Half (may have to increase for more fat content) 3 drops of Infant Poly-Vi-Sol vitamin drops with Iron 1 heaping Tablespoon Plain Yogurt with Active Live cultures

    Mix thoroughly and refrigerate.

    [img]http://www.bullmastiff.com/mutual/feeding1.JPG[/img]

    [img]http://www.bullmastiff.com/mutual/feeding2.JPG[/img]
    Then gently insert your finger into the pup's mouth. Do not let them suck more than your first digit into their mouths and some pup's mouths are to small for even that much. Drop the heated formula onto your finger at the first digit. As the pup sucks on your finger, he'll suck the formula into his mouth! It gets a little messy, but it works great and when the pup is a little stronger to take the bottle, without aspirating the formula into his lungs, he will have developed a stronger sucking reflex! You will need to burp the pups after each feeding. Gently rub the sides of the pup and you will hear a little "beep" noise (although some may be quite louder!)
    [img]http://www.bullmastiff.com/mutual/feeding3.JPG[/img]
    Once the pup is strong enough for the bottle, there is a correct position to hold the pup in. NEVER hold the pup upside down like a human baby. Support the pup's belly so it doesn't sag. Again burp the pup after each feeding.

    No matter which way you feed the pups, you MUST check their weight gain daily. If they start to lose weight or are NOT gaining weight, the pup my fade and die.

    [img]http://www.bullmastiff.com/mutual/feeding4.JPG[/img]
    Once the pups are all fed, then you need to stimulate them to go potty. Take a warm washcloth or paper towel that is barely wet and rub gently on their genitals. They should urinate immediately. In doing this you are doing what the mother dog would have done as she cleaned her whelps. Then you need to make them go pooh. Take a clean towel or paper towel with warm water on it and gently mimic the motion of the mother dog's tongue(move upward). Do not let the puppy get constipated. If the puppy starts to get constipated, then I give them a little Nutri-Cal. This works in about 1 hour.

    By 3-1/2 weeks of age you can start the puppies on the formula with Beechnut Baby Rice Cereal(other brands actually add soy which the pup may become sensitized to) in a feeding pan. When I first start the pups I use little cat dishes so I can control how much each pup is getting.
    [img]http://www.bullmastiff.com/mutual/catdish.jpg[/img]
    When they get to be 4-6 weeks of age, I use the flying saucer pans. They work great!
    [img]http://www.bullmastiff.com/mutual/Feedin2.jpg[/img]
    There is one thing, at this point, you need to remember. Clean the pups very thoroughly after each feeding.
    [img]http://www.bullmastiff.com/mutual/Feedin3.jpg[/img]
    They will get very sticky and their fur may become matted if you do not. Then the hair may fall out and you could end up with skin problems.

    By the time they are 3 weeks of age they should be going to the bathroom all by themselves. You still need to monitor them daily to make sure they are going properly.

    There is much more that goes into the proper care and raising of a litter of puppies.

  2. [quote name='nea']Today I went doggy shopping! :) I didn't get that much, because the two stores I went to didn't have what I wanted.

    1 pack of 50 black plastic bags, extra strong with handles
    1 rope toy
    1 slicker brush
    1 rubber thing with small knobs that is a grooming tool, not exactly sure what its called :oops:

    What I know I need to get, and that I will get tomorrow hopefully, are;
    1 brush, is it better with soft of hard bristles?
    1 collar, I'm thinking probably nylon, leather is sort of bulky for a puppy
    1 nylon leash, its easier to stuff in a pocket and doesn't way as much as the leather one.
    1 Kong toy, I've heard they're good

    What else do I need? Do you have any suggestions?[/quote]

    [color=darkred]Wow thats a lot of shopping hun[/color] :D

    [color=darkred]There might be one or two things you mentioned that I don't bother with lol, for starters we use plastic Asda bags for the poop, cheaper and easier :lol:

    Our dogs love rope toys especially the big lad.

    Slicker brushes are only ok if the bristles are soft, the first slicker I used was quite hard, our Bullmastiff didn't like this touching his skin (despite how gentle he was brushed) the bristles are like needles and dig into the skin causing it to bleed no matter how careful you are, not to mention painful if you catch your fingers on the bristles :o so I changed to a softer one without any harm done which Charlie seems to like better, you can get right down to the roots with this one and even run your hands over the bristles without them digging in, it seems to last a lot longer too. I bought mine from Crufts last year.

    The rubber one with nobbles you have got is an hound glove, I use one on charlie to circulate his skin.

    Ceramic bowls I use for my 2 smaller dogs food, (like the ones pictured here) they prevent any germs (unlike plastic that are carriers and split easily), they are also heavy so they won't tip over. Our large dog has the steel ones which are also very good and raised off the floor on a stand.
    Sizes vary.

    I don't think dog tags have been mentioned but this is something to look into if ever your dog was to get lost.

    I got our dog beds from Snoozzzers but the ones I prefer are the Doughnuts....you can buy these at a reasonable price from Bullmastiff Rescue, the proceedings go the Rescue of course.
    They do all sizes and colours

    The link to it is here.
    [url]http://www.users.daelnet.co.uk/adickie/bed/beds.htm[/url]

    A dog crate is always helpful with house training as well has safety, if used properly they are great[/color] :D

  3. :lol::lol::lol:

    [color=darkred]Now this is what I used to get from people or someone walking behind us who would say the breed that they thought Charlie was.[/color]

    [color=red][size=6]BOXER[/size][/color] :hmmmm: :boom:

    [img]http://community.webshots.com/s/image6/5/66/45/97056645tuqCFi_ph.jpg[/img]

  4. [color=darkred]Hi sushiwelldone

    I think many breeders should look at this problem when considering to breed there dogs, if a pup was born with aggression you can guarantee it came from its parents......which of course should not have been bred from in the first place. There are dogs who have a mental problem and it is up to the breeders to sort it out, however even those that are nervous shouldn't be bred from, this will be passed over to the offspring which will just carry on and on from puppy to puppy.
    Puppies should show no signs of nervousness, aggressiveness, or shyness, they should be alert and take an interest in what is going on around them, playful etc, so personally I don't think it will be a good idea to breed the female whatsoever given the circumstances :) [/color]

  5. [color=darkred]Yes it is sad isn't it, had me in tears as well :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:


    People are evil[/color] :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x [color=darkred]I could go on with those evil looks[/color] :evil:

  6. By Beth Norman Harris

    Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

    Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

    Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

    When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

    Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

    And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest--and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

  7. [color=darkred]Crested, sorry to hear your having problems with your dog hun but I think you need to be firm with Bella, it seems she is above you rather you above her....I know how frustrating it can be because my neighbours 2 Boxers only have to be let outside when there owners come back from work and the moment they are, the one dog Milly starts barking and whinging, which really goes through me at times. Instead of them sorting it out they leave it which makes Milly worse, a few times I have told her to shut up.
    The worse times is when my neighbours mother is there, she moved in a while ago and when her daughter and son-in-law went on holiday for 2 weeks, it was a complete nightmare....she left the dogs barking and whining outside for hours everyday, it drove me nuts especially as I have 3 dogs and not one of them moans or barks to come in.

    You do really need to put your foot down and show Bella whose boss and not allow her to watch your every step.
    While your doing something put her outside with some of her favourite toys, try and destract her by giving her some food or something as well, then sneak back indoors.[/color]

  8. [color=darkred]I also remember you telling us about Jack, hope he isn't pushed outside again and the owner as gotten himself a brain :-?

    Maybe they got Jack neutered and they see him as a calm dog now, thats why you haven't seen him around, or it could be the dog as been with a trainer for that long :-? Who knows but I hope all stays well and that Jack is a well loved and cared for dog now.[/color]

  9. [quote name='Yukhan_and_Kai']

    I'm ok....I have a bit of a cold but that's nothing. Nausea here and there but nothing too harsh. Nothing like the past LOL....A little concerned about the progesterone thing but thankfully my friends (internet) helped me understand it's not such a bad thing and they've endured it and all is well. I don't know what I would do without them! : * )
    [/quote]

    [color=darkred]CONGRATULATIONS Yukhan_and_Kai, :wink: When is the baby due ? :D
    Im 18 weeks now and don't I know it lol, due date is March 14th.[/color]

  10. [color=darkred]There supposed to have banned the damn things according to the local newspaper :x yeah I know the problem, we have them here going off day and night, mostly evenings and weekends.....my one dog a Westie x is slightly hard of hearing now....good job because that noise terrifies him, but it doesn't bother our Bullmastiff and Border Collie x[/color]

  11. [color=darkred]The safest solution to prevent any dog (no matter what breed) is to not allow children to take there food off them or interfer when the dog is eating.....no matter how friendly the dog is they will still turn, usually they give a warning like a growl and if that doesn't work there only other is with there teeth. How stupid can some people be....you might has well let the child pull its tail[/color] :x

  12. [quote name='wicca']gettin a bit real here....the bull mastiff!!!...you gettin a gaurd dog then? they are fantastic animals but the instinct to protect is very strong.
    If your parents aint very strong, well its a dodgy thing putting the two together. Try holding back 170lb of dog that is h*** bent on sorting out any threat.
    Fantastic dogs that are sooooo devoted to their family.....but real strong gaurding instinct an real strong animals...not for light weights.
    Wicca[/quote]

    [color=darkred]Good Advice Wicca :D the Bullmastiff weighs 110-130 Ibs (males) and 100-120 Ibs (females) but are still very strong like you said[/color] :wink:

  13. [color=darkred]Hello there.

    I currently own a Bullmastiff myself, they are not for the first time owner....although they have a gentle and loving nature, they are a very strong breed therefore need a firm handler.
    The males can become very dominant whether they are neutered or not, this is why it is so important to get them well socialized around other dogs from a puppy has well as people etc, females slightly content but still need proper training.
    They will get on with any pet depending on how well they are bought up together, both my dogs and cats get on great.
    The breed adores children but they do have to be watched carefully for the love and affection they give, it is quite easy to knock a child over with there weight. Children must be taught how to treat the breed with respect and the Bullmastiff will be there friend for life.
    The breed does have health problems which can be costly, the major ones are hip dysplasia and bloat that is also common in the Boxer.
    They are not an outdoor dog, they love company and its essential they live in the house with its family rather than living outside.
    They have a wonderful character.very protective of its family so any stranger that walks in without being invited had better watch out.

    Many books are available in good book shops for this breed,
    researching the breed is a must so you know what you would be taking on.[/color]

  14. [color=darkred]I just read your post after not being here for a while, I feel very sad for your loss of Snow White :( I do hope she is returned soon!

    It comes a thing when you can't leave your dogs in your own backyard, because of thieving monsters!
    I hope the bastards are caught and locked up for good [/color]:evil:

  15. [color=darkred]My three dogs are priceless to me, the one I would really be concerned about is my Bullmastiff because he is worth a lot, and I know he would be gone in a second if given the chance, not for breeding but fighting!
    He is one in a million.
    If anyone tried to take Penny away, they would have a chase on there hands Im sure.....she has a nasty streak behind her especially with strangers.
    And besides, if anyone tried to snatch our Bully, they would have to get past Penny and Patch first![/color]

  16. [quote name='marion']Shannon, what brilliant advice, Rowie was right to get you over here asap. :lol: :lol:[/quote]

    [color=darkred]Marion it comes from the years of owning this magnificant breed and reading the 10 books :lol:
    I now know this breed inside out lol[/color]

  17. [size=7][color=darkred]These books are recommended[/color][/size]
    THE BULLMASTIFF MANUAL
    Author: Bill Walkey
    Publisher: T.F.H. Inc.
    Style#: GB-022
    Price: $29.95 Plus shipping and handling

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Bred for strength and as an ally of the gamekeeper in his war against poachers, fiercely loyal to its family yet with a loving and kind temperament, the Bullmastiff is truly a 'gentle giant' As one of the largest and heaviest dogs in the world, naturally a fearless protector, the Bullmastiff needs to be understood, treated and trained properly In return it will give its owner many years of loyalty, love protection, warmth and affection.
    Bill Walkey is especially qualified to write about this impressive dog. He has bred 36 champions under his Shayla prefix, has been Breeder of the Year four times and bred the only Bullmastiff to win both the Canadian and the American National
    Specialty Shows. This is also the only Canadian dog to win the ABA Specialty (National). Bill has judged in Britain, Denmark, Malta, the United States and Canada, and is one of the judges for the Speciality Show in Finland in 1999.

    [img]http://www.ckcusa.com/b_breeds/gb-bullmastiff.jpg[/img]

    [img]http://www.jemarpet.com/Catalog/NewBooks/BK-Bullmastiff.tif.JPG[/img]

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